Utility monitors FD gas leak

January 17, 2013

MidAmerican Energy crews have been monitoring the site of a gas leak in a Fort Dodge neighborhood since Jan. 6, according to a utility spokeswoman.

''The situation is and has been safe,'' Tina Potthoff, the media relations manager for MidAmerican Energy, said Wednesday.

The leak, discovered on Jan. 6, was in the area of Forest Avenue between Sixth and Seventh avenues north. Potthoff said some gas leaked into the ground surrounding a pipe. The necessary repairs were made on Jan. 7, she added.

Utility crews have checked the site frequently since then.

''At times we've used a device to help exhaust the final minute traces of gas from the ground, which neighbors may have noticed,'' Potthoff said.

The hole that was dug to make the repairs was expected to be refilled Wednesday.